As the Astros rebuild their farm system, the draft and player development are crucial. However, success in the training room will also play a part. For example, in 2008, four players who were scheduled to play in AA or higher were injured or recovering from injury the entire season. The return to health of any of these players will bolster the organization.
Felipe Paulino, P. Paulino was slated to battle for a spot in the rotation in 2008 after a brief call-up at the end of 2007. However, a season of arm problems has Paulino back at square one this spring.
More, after the jump.
Josh Flores, OF. Flores split 2007 between Salem and Round Rock, and looked to be a starter for the Hooks in 2008. Unfortunately, he stepped off a curb a few weeks before spring training, wrecked his knee, and ended his season. According to Ricky Bennett, Flores is headed to Corpus this April.
Sergio Perez, P. Perez made 25 starts and pitched 128 innings for Salem in 2007. However, he started the 2008 season with hamstring issues. He was able to pitch 27 innings for the Hooks before breaking his finger trying to bunt.
Tip Fairchild, P. Fairchild underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007. He spent 2008, trying to get his arm strength back at Corpus Christi. He split 2006 between Lexington and Salem. Between the two places, he pitched 173 innings with a 2.50 combined ERA. He is reportedly back at full strength for 2009.
0recs |
6
comments
Comments
Did you see the Chronicle chat transcript with J.J. Ortiz in spring training?
Here is something he said about Felipe Paulino:
Paulino really hurt his chances last night. Heck, this morning he sounded like a guy how had accepted that he will start the season at Round Rock. I told him he might want to stay positive and not concede anything until he’s told. The good thing about Paulino is that he says he feels great. The bad thing, as he told me this morning, is that his control was awful.
Control will come as long as he’s healthy, but he needs to put up a fight for a job this spring. He needs to show he’s a competitor.
That doesn’t sound very good. Maybe Paulino was just in a down mood when he talked to Ortiz. Anyone’s thoughts.
I was never too high on Paulino’s ability. Yeah, he throws hard, but everything I’ve read has said that he doesn’t have much movement on his pitches. I think he’ll definitely get called up sometime this year, but I’m not too optimistic.
As for attitude, I don’t think it’s a good idea to put too much stock into interviews. He was probably just upset when Ortiz talked to him.
even as a guy with poor stuff, his velocity alone should mean he can, if nothing else, get a job as a decent reliever. I should clarify about my earlier statement: I’m not too high on his ability to play as a starter. From BPro’s writeup on him this year (he was the Astros’ 9th-best prospect, which isn’t saying much, I suppose):
Year in Review: The top pitching prospect in the system entering the year, he had a nightmare 2008, facing only four batters before going down with non-stop arm troubles, including a pinched nerve, elbow tightness, and bursitis in his shoulder.
The Good: When healthy, Paulino has the best pure arm in the system, and he’s touched triple digits with his fastball on numerous occasions. He also has a power curveball that he throws at slider velocity which features good break.
The Bad: Paulino is still unrefined. He has control problems, and his fastball, which tends to be flat and up in the zone, can be hittable despite its velocity. He also overthrows the breaking ball, causing it to flatten out. The multiple injuries raise red flags about his long-term durability.
Fun Fact: Paulino was born on the same day as socialite Nicky Hilton—that’s almost hot!
Perfect World Projection: Paulino has the ability to dominate as a reliever, but there are still many questions about his future.
Glass Half Empty: Because he’s so unrefined, his stuff has to come all the way back, or he’ll be in trouble.
Path to the Big Leagues: Paulino was expected to play a role on the big-league squad in 2008 before the injury problems came up, so he’s actually something of a finished product who took a big step backwards.
Timetable: The Astros are confident that Paulino will be 100 percent by spring, but they’ll wait to see how he performs before deciding upon his 2009 role and destination.
Did you see the Chronicle chat transcript with J.J. Ortiz in spring training?
Here is something he said about Felipe Paulino:
Control will come as long as he’s healthy, but he needs to put up a fight for a job this spring. He needs to show he’s a competitor.
That doesn’t sound very good. Maybe Paulino was just in a down mood when he talked to Ortiz. Anyone’s thoughts.
clack - March 11, 2009
By the way, the quote block should have included the sentence beginning with "control"
clack - March 11, 2009
personally
I was never too high on Paulino’s ability. Yeah, he throws hard, but everything I’ve read has said that he doesn’t have much movement on his pitches. I think he’ll definitely get called up sometime this year, but I’m not too optimistic.
As for attitude, I don’t think it’s a good idea to put too much stock into interviews. He was probably just upset when Ortiz talked to him.
Only_A_Lad - March 11, 2009
on the vote
D) Minor Leaguer for life.
joeljr - March 11, 2009
Nah
With his velocity, he’ll find a job as a middle reliever somewhere.
Stephen Higdon - March 11, 2009
yeah,
even as a guy with poor stuff, his velocity alone should mean he can, if nothing else, get a job as a decent reliever. I should clarify about my earlier statement: I’m not too high on his ability to play as a starter. From BPro’s writeup on him this year (he was the Astros’ 9th-best prospect, which isn’t saying much, I suppose):
Only_A_Lad - March 11, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of The Crawfish Boxes to post a comment.